Gaming News - November 2006

Redmond, WA (November 1, 2006) - Microsoft Game Studios today announced that it is teaming up with the Georgia Aquarium to introduce an educational initiative that will help excite and inform students about the complexity of and caring for marine life.

From Microsoft Game Studios:

Microsoft Corp., the Georgia Aquarium and AirTran Airways today announced a national essay contest on marine conservation and the importance of preserving aquatic life.

In conjunction with the recent launch of “Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania,” the newest addition to the award-winning “Zoo Tycoon” franchise, and the upcoming one-year anniversary of the Georgia Aquarium, the essay competition encourages students in grades six through eight to submit a 250- to 500-word essay focusing on why conservation of marine animals and the ocean is important.

The grand prize winner receives a trip for four to Atlanta and a special behind-the-scenes tour of the Georgia Aquarium, where the winner and his or her family can observe whale sharks and African black-footed penguins in their natural habitats from exclusive views of the exhibits. They can also speak directly with staff biologists to learn more about how to take care of the marine animals. Runners-up receive copies of “Zoo Tycoon 2” and all franchise expansion packs, including “Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania.” Additional contest details will be available at the Zoo Tycoon Web site at zootycoon.com.

“Our research has shown that students choose aquariums as their top choice for field-trip destinations. They’re the best places to both engage with marine life up close and form an understanding of the world’s oceans,” said Craig Davison, director of global games marketing in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. “We feel privileged to help the Georgia Aquarium with its mission of connecting people with aquatic animals and teaching today’s students about important issues like marine preservation and conservation.”

Microsoft Game Studios also sponsored a visit to the Georgia Aquarium today for 250 students from Atlanta-area schools. Visiting the largest aquarium in the world, students can observe more than 100,000 animals from 500 species, and discover how to best take care of them by playing “Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania” at any of numerous kiosks available throughout the aquarium.

Developed by Blue Fang Games LLC, “Zoo Tycoon 2: Marine Mania” continues the unique legacy of the “Zoo Tycoon” franchise of providing gameplay that is both fun and educational, while teaching aspiring zookeepers and gamers of all ages about the animal kingdom and how to ensure animal happiness, guest satisfaction and profitability.

Today’s event marks the initiation of an educational partnership between Microsoft Game Studios and the Georgia Aquarium, including future plans for using the “Zoo Tycoon” franchise as an educational tool within the aquarium’s Learning Loop, a level of the aquarium dedicated to educational programs.

“Microsoft has been a great corporate partner of the aquarium,” said Jeff Swanagan, executive director of the Georgia Aquarium. “The ‘Zoo Tycoon’ games are known for their realistic and educational presentation, and we recognized that they would be a perfect fit for teaming up to help educate students and promote the importance of marine conservation.”